Floaters in Your Vision: Understanding Myodesopsia Eye Care November 2, 2023

Floaters in Your Vision: Understanding Myodesopsia

Suppose you have experienced those tiny, elusive specks floating across your vision field that seem to dart away as you try to focus on them. In that case, you may have encountered myodesopsia, most commonly known as floaters. While the latter may appear harmless, they can be a source of annoyance and concern for many people. 

Luckily, Eyeonce Eye Clinic Gangnam, which houses renowned ophthalmologists Paik Dong Won, Head Director, and Jung Sae Rom, Medical Director, understand the significance of clear vision and the impact of floaters on your everyday life. With these expert eye doctors’ guidance and expertise and their clinic’s cutting-edge facilities, they will ensure to educate you more about the nature of floaters and provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

What is myodesopsia?

It is a visual phenomenon that occurs when specks, threads, or cobweb-like structures appear to float across an individual’s field of vision. As these tiny particles move around, the person tries to focus on them and tends to follow the movement of the eyes, which can be downright bothersome.

As we age, the vitreous humor, a gel-like substance that fills the eyeball cavity between the lens and the retina, changes, making its gel-like consistency gradually become more liquid. This process is called vitreous liquefaction. When this happens, microscopic fibers and protein clumps can become more noticeable, casting shadows on the retina and causing floaters.

Floaters can be attributed to other underlying eye-related conditions and issues, such as retinal detachment or bleeding within the eye.

What are the symptoms of myodesopsia?

It is important to note that the symptoms of floaters are unique for every individual. Here are some:

  • Presence of floaters – Floaters are the primary symptom of myodesopsia. They can take on various shapes and sizes and may move around, following the movements of your eyes, and are even more noticeable against bright backgrounds such as a clear sky and a white wall.
  • Flashes of light – People who have floaters may experience the perception of flashing lights, particularly when they close or open their eyes quickly. These light flashes can appear as brief, flickering streaks or bursts, similar to lightning or camera flashes. If you experience sudden, persistent flashes of light accompanied by a curtain-like shadow or sudden decrease in vision, talk to your ophthalmologists immediately, as it may indicate a more serious condition like retinal detachment.
  • String-like shadows – These shadows may appear as thin, wispy lines or irregular shapes that move with your eye movements.

Experiencing these symptoms can be very alarming, so it is advisable that you immediately talk to your eye doctor for proper guidance and intervention. Early detection is vital.

Myodesopsia diagnosis and treatment methods at Eyeonce Eye Clinic Gangnam

We at Eyeonce Eye Clinic Gangnam take pride in being one of the best eye clinics to visit when you want to address different eye concerns such as myodesopsia. Some of the treatment methods of the latter available in our clinic are the following:

  • Polar lamp examination – Our clinic utilizes a polar lamp examination to assess the vitreous humor and identify abnormalities or floaters thoroughly. Polar lamp examination uses specialized lighting techniques to enhance the visibility of floaters, allowing the proper evaluation of their characteristics and impact on vision.
  • Fundus examination examines the back of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. Fundus examination provides valuable information about the eyes’ overall health and helps identify underlying conditions contributing to myodesopsia. It is also helpful in assessing if there are retinal tears, detachments, or other eye abnormalities.
  • Mydriasis (dilated pupils) examination – This examination aims to dilate the pupil to obtain a comprehensive view of the eye’s structures, allowing a thorough examination of the retina, vitreous humor, and other parts of the eye. Enlarging the pupil makes it easier to diagnose any floater or related issues.
  • Laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment method that may be employed for specific floaters. This laser treatment breaks up larger floaters into smaller fragments, making them less noticeable or disrupting.

As stated, Eyeonce Eye Clinic Gangnam takes a personalized approach by considering each patient’s unique condition and tailoring the diagnosis and treatment plan accordingly.

Consultation process at Eyeonce Eye Clinic Gangnam

  • If you suspect that you have myodesopsia, schedule a consultation with Eyeonce Eye Clinic.
  • During the consultation, our ophthalmologists will take your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and run a series of tests and examinations to identify your condition.
  • After taking your medical history and conducting the exam, our eye doctors will recommend a custom-fitted course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Though generally harmless; however, if you notice a significant increase in the number of floaters, experience sudden flashes of light, or notice a curtain-like shadow in your vision, it could indicate a more severe condition such as retinal detachment.

Treatment options are available to help diminish the presence of floaters in the visual field. Eyeonce Eye Clinic offers several treatment options for myodesopsia (floaters), which can be found on our website.

It is often caused by changes in the vitreous humor, especially when we age. The vitreous can become more liquid, leading to the development of clumps or strands within it. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, resulting in the appearance of floaters.

Conclusion

Myodesopsia should not be taken lightly, especially when there is a sudden increase in floaters in your vision field. Managing this eye condition requires experts’ knowledge and intervention,

such as the doctors at Eyeonce Eye Clinic Gangnam. Book an appointment with them today before it is too late.